Senior Specialist Payroll & Benefits

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Senior Payroll and Benefits Specialist

The Senior Payroll and Benefits Specialist is responsible for managing and overseeing the EMEA payroll and benefits process , including pensions for our Advanced Materials business. You will play a critical role in ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing, compliance with local regulations, and providing exceptional service to our employees. With your expertise in payroll & benefits management and strong attention to detail, you will contribute to the success of our operations.

You will report directly to our Sr. Payroll Manager and you will be on a hybrid work schedule based in Germany .

In this role, you will impact the efficiency and accuracy of our payroll and benefits operations, ensuring that employees are paid accurately and on time and that they receive the appropriate benefits. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with local regulations and to provide exceptional service to employees regarding payroll and benefits-related inquiries. Your attention to detail and strong analytical skills will be crucial in identifying and resolving payroll and benefits discrepancies.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Project Management : Lead the benefits Request for Proposal (RFP) process across multiple EMEA countries. This includes preparing employee communications, coordinating with vendors to ensure accurate deductions aligned with plan design and tax compliance. Set up enrollment and termination processes in collaboration with operational teams, working with Procurement on collecting terms and conditions documents for seamless benefit delivery to employees.
• Benefits Programs : Implement complex benefit plans that meet organizational goals and comply with regulatory requirements, including legislative changes in the EMEA region.
• Mergers & Acquisitions : Oversee all aspects of employee payroll & benefits in mergers and acquisitions, including developing and executing integration plans, crafting communication strategies, engaging stakeholders, managing change, ensuring compliance with legal standards, and monitoring the effectiveness of integrated benefit programs.
• Data Governance and Audits : Conduct regular audit checks on data regarding payroll & policy renewals, focusing on maintaining the integrity of administration processes and ensuring data accuracy and compliance. Develop and implement data governance strategies to enhance data quality and security. Review and sign off on the payroll drafts before salary payments.
• Standardization of Payroll & Benefits Delivery Model : Utilize the payroll & benefits delivery model to standardize solutions across EMEA, ensuring alignment with the HRS
• business model. Streamline processes and identify opportunities for automation and efficiency improvements.
• Stakeholder Management : Cultivate strong relationships with key stakeholders, including Total Rewards, Country HR, and other departments. Facilitate conversations to identify common ground and agree on action plans to resolve issues.
• Vendor Management : Oversee complex supplier relationships, including routine reviews of service level agreements (SLAs) to ensure compliance and quality service. Work with vendors to resolve issues and drive continuous improvement in service delivery. Ensure payroll input delivery to the payroll vendor.
• Annual Enrollment and Campaign Management : guide the planning and execution of annual enrollment processes for benefits, managing communication strategies, change management initiatives, and updates to knowledge management. Develop and implement creative and engaging campaigns to drive employee participation and insight of benefits programs. Organize training sessions and workshops for stakeholders to enhance their understanding of benefits programs, policies, and processes. Ensure they have the resources they need to effectively communicate benefits information to employees.
• Outsourced Administration Solutions : guide projects to identify and implement outsourced administration solutions related to payroll & benefits. Conduct vendor evaluations, and ensure smooth transition and ongoing management of outsourced services.
• Issue Resolution : Resolve and communicate complex escalations, ensuring timely and effective resolutions. Work with internal and external stakeholders to address issues and implement preventive measures.
• Global Project : Lead or participate in global projects across multiple countries. Provide guidance and mentorship to junior roles, including HR Specialists and Analysts. Facilitate the development and implementation of global payroll & benefits strategies.

YOU MUST HAVE

WE VALUE

Additional Information